Konate hints at decision on Liverpool contract

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Ibrahima Konate has hinted at an imminent decision on his Liverpool future.The France international’s contract is set to expire at the end of this season despite revealing in January that he had been offered a new deal by Arne Slot’s side.But Konate has been tipped for a potential summer move to the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain once he becomes a free agent in late June.He will be eligible to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with both overseas clubs from January 1 without any progress on extending his stay on Merseyside.Ahead of his country’s latest World Cup qualifier with Azerbaijan, Konate shot down speculation of an improved offer from the reigning Premier League champions.However Konate is hopeful of a resolution over his long-term future being reached.He said: “I’ve seen a lot of things in the press recently, like Liverpool have made me a new offer.“I don’t know where that’s coming from“My agents are continuing discussions with Liverpool.“I hope my decision will be made very soon so I can announce it.”The centre-back also revealed his delight at Liverpool teammate Hugo Ekitike scoring his first international goal in Les Bleus’ win over Ukraine on Thursday.“At Liverpool, there’s a different intensity compared to the Bundesliga,” added Konate.“I challenged him when he arrived. After training, he was a bit tired.

He didn’t want to go to the gym at first,.“So I looked him in the eyes for five seconds and said, ‘Do you want to play for the French national team?’“I left the room, and when I came back, he was in the gym. He’s really stepped up in that regard.

I think he turned a corner because of that.“He made a strong case for himself in France’s last match. I was extremely happy for him, because he was heavily criticised before, especially during his time at PSG.“He had some difficult times but he’s on the right track.”